Turquoise water beaches, volcanoes, bike rides on unpaved streets, beautiful sunsets...these are some of the landscapes and plans that you can enjoy in this small and paradisiacal island
This small Atlantic island, with barely 700 inhabitants and 29 square kilometers, part of the Natural Park of the Chinijo Archipelago, is a real paradise. The eighth island of the Canaries since 2018, it is also the last to join the European continent. But La Graciosa is not and should not be known only for that, nor for being one of the few places in Europe with streets unpaved, but most of all for being an idyllic natural space where you can disconnect away from the rush and noise of the cities, thanks to its wonderful lonely beaches of fine white sand and turquoise waters and its enigmatic landscapes. Here we provide 10 plans to enjoy on the island:
In the fine golden sand of La Francesa
Located in the south of the island, the beach is known for its wide white sand shore and its transparent and turquoise waters, which make it a paradise for snorkelers. But it also, and above all, stands out for its spectacular views of the Riscos de Famara, on whose summit sits the Mirador del Rio. La Francesa can be reached on foot or by bicycle along a sandy path from Caleta de Sebo, one of the only two inhabited centers of La Graciosa, or you can also hire a catamaran excursion from the fishing village of Órzola, on the neighboring island of Lanzarote.
Walking to the Amarilla Mountain Volcano
The Amarilla Mountain volcano can be reached after walking a trail of about thirty minutes - or an hour, hour and a half, depending on the stops at the beaches - from Caleta de Sebo. It is exactly the best way to access the mythical beaches of El Salado, La Francesa and La Cocina. In fact, the latter is one of the most special coves on the island, with the color of its emerald waters contrasting with the yellow and ochre tones of the mountain.
A journey (and adventure) by bike
In addition to the walking routes, to move around La Graciosa we recommend bicycle excursions along its sandy paths, because here you will not find paved roads, thus the plan comes across as an adventure. The flat relief makes it easy to follow the different routes, so it is a good option to get to know the island and its incredible landscapes. Those who want to explore La Graciosa and enjoy each day intensely can start with the southern route, which is the shortest (5 km), toward La Francesa beach; and for the more daring, the circular route of 14 km towards the north, toward Las Conchas beach and Pedro Barba, the other center of houses on the island that are only occupied in summer.
Eating at La Graciosa
The star product is, of course, fresh fish. Freshly caught by the island’s fishermen, the traditional trade of La Graciosa, you can taste delicious local fish such as the blackbird or the moray eel at any of the restaurants in Caleta de Sebo. The dishes are complemented by the traditional mojo wrinkled potatoes, the gofio escaldado, cheeses ... and, of course, accompanied by the delicious wines of Lanzarote. An excellent meal while contemplating the spectacular Riscos de Famara. Indescribable
Peace, solitude...and good photos
In the north of the island there is a white sand paradise far from any civilization: Las Conchas beach. Tranquility guaranteed with the curious sensation of having landed in another world. The most impressive thing about this spot is, without a doubt, that it is flanked by the imposing Bermeja Mountain, and offers privileged views of several points of La Graciosa. Yes it’s the perfect place to take the best pictures of the trip.
Wonders under the sea
You can choose to read, sunbathe and rest on the beaches of La Graciosa... but you can also submerge yourself into its transparent waters and dive in the largest marine reserve in Europe. The sudden depths of the island have abundant caves and tunnels, as well as perfect conditions for biodiversity: some of the species you will be able to observe in La Graciosa are snorers, striped burritos, medregales, horse mackerels, abades, black moray eels or the endemic Canarian lobsters.
A boat ride
From Lanzarote or Caleta de Sebo, it is essential to enjoy a boat trip to explore the coast of the island and thus know it from another perspective. Walks in the southern area are the most common, as the sea is calm there, and during the journey you can see, in addition to Amarilla Mountain and La Cocina Beach, the islets that form the Chinijo Archipelago alongside La Graciosa: Clara Mountain, Alegranza, Roque del Este and Roque del Oeste (also called Roque del Infierno). You will find several ways to access organized tours from Lanzarote.
There’s also a museum!
Getting to know the culture and the history of the town is possible thanks to the Chinijo Museum in Caleta de Sebo. In this space you will find information about everything related to the flora, fauna and activity around salt and salt mines. Perfect for telling your children a little more about this privileged place.
A night spent in La Graciosa
If you want to spend the night in La Graciosa, you can do so in one of the island’s accommodations located in Caleta de Sebo and practically on the beach. Spending one or several nights in such a quiet village with unpaved streets is an incredible experience. It’s like time stands still there. Who wouldn’t want, at least once in a lifetime, to live with the peace and disconnection of a true Graciosarian?
